Assata Shakur Death in Cuba at 78: Fugitive Activist’s Life, Escape, and Legacy

Official Confirmation of Assata Shakur Death

Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Assata Shakur died on September 25, 2025, in Havana due to health complications related to her age. Her daughter, Kakuya Shakur, shared the news in a heartfelt post, noting that her mother “took her last earthly breath” at approximately 1:15 pm.

Shakur was 78 years old, ending a long chapter that spanned activism, imprisonment, escape, and life in exile under Cuban protection.

Early Life and Rise as an Activist

• Born: July 16, 1947, Queens, New York

• Childhood: Raised in segregated North Carolina

• Organizations: Joined the Black Panther Party, later associated with the Black Liberation Army

Assata Shakur’s early years shaped her political activism. Her involvement with the Black Panther Party and later the Black Liberation Army placed her at the heart of radical movements of the 1960s and 1970s.

The 1973 New Jersey Turnpike Incident

The defining moment of Shakur’s life occurred in 1973 when she and two companions were stopped on the New Jersey Turnpike. The confrontation escalated into gunfire, leaving State Trooper Werner Foerster dead.

Key Details of the Case:

Although convicted of Foerster’s murder, Shakur consistently maintained her innocence, stating she was shot with her hands raised.

Escape and Asylum in Cuba

In 1979, Assata Shakur escaped from prison with the assistance of armed allies. By 1984, she had surfaced in Cuba, where Fidel Castro’s government granted her asylum.

For decades, she lived openly in Havana despite U.S. attempts to extradite her. In 2013, she was placed on the FBI’s Most Wanted Terrorists list, becoming the first woman to appear there. The FBI offered a $2 million reward for information leading to her capture.

Life in Exile and Cultural Influence

While living in Cuba, Shakur published her autobiography Assata in 1987, chronicling her journey through activism, imprisonment, and exile. She became a global symbol of resistance and was often cited as an influence by activists in movements such as Black Lives Matter.

Shakur also had a familial and cultural connection to hip-hop, often referred to as the godmother of rapper Tupac Shakur. This bond further cemented her place in both political and cultural history.

Reactions to Assata Shakur Death

The death of Assata Shakur has prompted mixed reactions. Supporters regard her as a revolutionary who resisted systemic oppression, while critics describe her as a convicted fugitive who escaped justice.

Authorities in New Jersey expressed frustration that Shakur died without facing further accountability for the death of Werner Foerster. Meanwhile, activists across the globe are remembering her as a symbol of resilience and a voice against racial injustice.

The Legacy of Joanne Chesimard

Known also as Joanne Chesimard, Shakur’s story is a complex blend of activism, crime, political asylum, and cultural influence. Her life continues to spark debate over issues of justice, race, and state power in America.

Names and Movements Connected to Assata Shakur

• Black Liberation Army: The organization that supported her prison escape.

• Werner Foerster: The New Jersey State Trooper killed in the 1973 shootout.

• FBI Most Wanted list: Shakur’s addition to this list in 2013 cemented her notoriety.

• Tupac Shakur godmother: Her cultural link to the late rapper remains one of the most discussed aspects of her life.

The story of Assata Shakur death closes a turbulent and historic chapter. Her journey from activism in America to exile in Cuba leaves a legacy that will continue to be debated for years to come.